The Rotterdam Zoo – Diergaarde Blijdorp is one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the Netherlands. Founded in 1857 and reopened in Blijdorp in 1940, it combines architectural heritage (with designs by Sybold van Ravesteyn), immersive biotopes and a spectacular Oceanium inaugurated in 2001. Home to gorillas, okapis, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants and giraffes on a vast African plain, the zoo stands out for its conservation work (EAZA/NVD member) and its strong educational mission.
Galerie photos
Steven Lek, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A historic zoo turned national institution
Born from a bird garden on the Kruiskade (1855), the zoo officially opened in 1857. As the site became too small, it moved to Blijdorp: the new masterplan, designed by Sybold van Ravesteyn, organised a modern park divided into themed zones. After the bombing of the city centre, the animals were moved urgently, and the Blijdorp site opened on 7 December 1940, shaping the zoo’s identity as we know it today.
Oceanium: the marine showcase
Inaugurated in 2001 on an extension of about 11 hectares, the Oceanium features large thematic aquariums and forms the zoo’s north-west entrance. This area brings together immersive trails, marine-environment education and new exhibits (including a demonstration aviary and an “America” zone with polar bears).
Biotopes & immersion
Blijdorp focuses on evocative environments: tropical greenhouses, temperate zones, aquatic habitats and expansive plains. The African savanna plain, opened in 2010, hosts a breeding group of giraffes along with other savanna species, complementing iconic sectors (great apes, big cats, Asia).
Remarkable species
The zoo is home to Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, gorillas, as well as rare species such as the okapi and Temminck’s cat. The collection evolves according to breeding and conservation programmes coordinated by EAZA (EEP).
Notable events
In 2007, the gorilla Bokito escaped and injured a visitor, prompting a wide public debate on human-animal interactions and strengthening safety protocols and visitor mediation.
Conservation & education
As a member of EAZA and the NVD, Blijdorp takes part in breeding, research and awareness programmes. The pathways are designed to connect animal welfare, science and visitor experience, with a strong focus on threatened species.
Billets & réservation
Powered by
GetYourGuide
